Project int:net: The Interoperability Network for the Energy Transition

The Horizon Europe Interoperability Network for the Energy Transition (int:net) project aims to create an Interoperability Roadmap.

Interoperability is crucial for the energy transition, enabling information exchange and joint objectives. While technical interoperability is established, informational, functional, and business interoperability need attention. Smart grid interoperability efforts have yielded results but remain fragmented.

Despite various efforts, challenges persist. Coordination gaps lead to incompatible protocols, a lack of practical tools for assessment, and a disconnect between research and standardization.

The int:net project analyzes the evolving EU policy framework, collecting existing interoperability initiatives, and identifying open issues as it seeks to create an Interoperability Roadmap.

int:net's approach includes four main pillars:

1. Knowledge Base: establishing a comprehensive knowledge base of best practices to enhance interoperability of energy services, data, and platforms.
2. Maturity Model: developing an Interoperability Maturity Model (IMM) to assess organizations' smart grid integration maturity.
3. Testing and Certification: creating an interoperability testing framework to harmonize testing procedures.
4. Standards and Governance: developing a governance process to align research and standardization efforts.

Find out more about:
EU-funded energy projects
Data interoperability in e-mobility
E.DSO’s Horizon projects that investigate flexibility and interoperability

An Interoperability Network for Energy Transition will ensure continuity by fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the development of interoperable energy services.

One of our four main pillars of the int:net project is the building of a strong knowledge base.

The int:net consortium has therefore established the int:net community as an environment to enable exchange and joint work on interoperability and all topics connected e.g., standardisation and testing. Among other activities, int:net has initiated the platform where e.g., discussions about aspects relevant for interoperability can be held together.

Activities in the community are organized in “Interoperability Focus Groups (IFGs)” and taskforces. The actual set of working groups is:

• IFG-1: "Interoperability Profiles in Data Spaces" 
• IFG-2: "Increasing Maturity in Interoperability"
• IFG-3: "The Interoperability Regulatory Landscape"
• IFG-4: "Interoperability Testing Approaches, Test Cases, and Test Facilities"
• IFG-5: "Smart Grid related Use Cases and SGAM"

Each IFG is guided by a moderator. The moderator ought to lead the discussion, initiate new topics and animate other participants to contribute content. Every member of an Interoperability Focus Group is encouraged to deliver input and ideate new topics.

If somebody is interested and/or working in the field of interoperability, data spaces or standardisation then the int:net community platform is the opportunity. The platform is open for everyone and people coming from different backgrounds and institutions, including academia, legislation, regulation and ICT provision. We strive to include diverse viewpoints from all stakeholders involved in leveraging interoperability.

Learn more and join the int:net community platform